Mediterranean Migrant Arrivals in 2016 Near 130,000; Deaths Reach 418

You are here

Greece - As winter nears its end, IOM estimates irregular migrant and refugee arrivals are now approaching 130,000 in the Mediterranean. The number, reached in nine weeks, falls just short of the total for all seaborne arrivals in Europe as recently as 2014.

The numbers still fall far short of 2015’s total, when over one million seaborne arrivals were recorded. But with ten months left, it now appears likely that last year’s total will be surpassed, possibly before the end of the summer.

Through February 29, unofficial data of arrivals to Greece since January 1, 2015 are at 968,140. With close to 2,000 per day arriving through the first 60 days of 2016, a mark of one million seaborne arrivals in Greece could be met as soon as mid-March, IOM researchers believe.

On a brighter note, 2016’s estimated total of 418 deaths of migrants and refugees at sea is slightly lower than at this time in 2015 – by ten victims. It should be noted that 2015 began with many more migrants crossing the deadly route linking North Africa to Italy. Several large shipwrecks were also recorded in both January and February 2015.

2016’s lower total number of fatalities reflects the surge in crossings between Turkey and Greece. IOM estimates that of 321 people who have died in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2016’s first nine weeks, 77 were children – an average exceeding one per day. Thirteen children died on this route in February; 64 in January.

Arrivals by sea and deaths in the Mediterranean

1 Jan – 25 Feb 2016

1 Jan – 28 Feb 2015

Country

Arrivals

Deaths

Arrivals

Deaths

Greece

120,369

321 (Eastern Med route)

3,952

428 (includes all Med routes)

Italy

9,086

97 (Central Med route)

7,882

Estimated Total

129,455

418

11,834

428

IOM’s Ivona Zakoska Monday provided a statistical update on numbers of persons intending to seek asylum in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), registered by authorities through 28 February 2016.

“The in- and outflows have decreased due to the restrictive policies enforced by the countries along the route,” she said. “Migrants of Syrian and Iraqi origin now spend several days waiting to enter the country and/or at the reception center in Gevgelija on the FYROM side of the border before proceeding.”

There have also been 600 Afghan nationals at a reception centre in Tabanovice since February 19th, she added.

According to Greek coastguard, 67,415 migrants and refugees crossed into Greece in January 2016 and 52,118 in February 2016. This indicates about 2,140 per day in January and roughly 1,800 in January, when seas were rougher.

The three largest nationalities registered were Syria (55,858), Afghanistan (31,550) and Iraq (20,484). There were also 3,703 from Iran, 3,646 from Pakistan and 916 from Palestine. Other nationalities included Bangladeshis (342), Moroccans (189), Nepalis (38), Gambians (11) and Dominican Republic nationals (90). There were also, remarkably, four arrivals from Viet Nam and one from Cuba.

It has been brought to the attention of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that letters bearing IOM’s logo have been sent to numerous recipients informing them that they won in an annual lotto draw. These letters are circulating in the form of e-mails and may direct to e-mail addresses from the following e-mail host:

“@representative.com”
“@representative.compresentative.com”

These letters do not originate from IOM and they are not in any way associated with IOM activities.

Such use of IOM’s name and logo is unauthorized and illegal. IOM takes this matter seriously and takes appropriate actions against such fraudulent practices.

IOM strongly advises the public to be cautious of these and other similar fradulent e-mails that falsely claim association with IOM. Any transfer of personal information or money to those issuing such fradulent e-mails can result in identity theft, financial loss and other damages. IOM shall not be held liable for any claims, pertaining to fraudulent schemes including but not limited to claims resulting from theft, loss or damage.

If you think you have received a suspicious e-mail, forward it to abuse@iom.int.